The Rainwater Harvesting Association of Malawi (RHAM) says Malawi has the capacity to harvest more than 90 billion cubic metres of rainwater, which could help support livelihoods and farming amid climate change.
RHAM Vice-President Augustine Masamba said this on the sidelines of the launch of the Tikolole Madzi a Mvula campaign at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (Mubas) in Blantyre.
The campaign seeks to promote rainwater harvesting as one way of helping communities prepare for challenges associated with climate change, including possible El Niño weather conditions.
Masamba said increased investment in rainwater harvesting could provide an important source of water for agricultural and other livelihood activities.
He said the huge volume of rainfall Malawi receives presents an opportunity that should be fully utilised to address water challenges.
Meanwhile, Head of the Department of Public and Environmental Health Sciences at Mubas Save Kumwenda commended students for taking part in initiatives aimed at finding solutions to climate change challenges.
Kumwenda said the involvement of students demonstrated the important role of academic institutions in developing practical responses to environmental challenges.
Blantyre City Mayor Isaac Jomo Osman said Malawi could learn from other countries when implementing rainwater-harvesting initiatives.
He encouraged stakeholders to consider successful approaches elsewhere and adapt them to Malawi’s circumstances.
Musician Zeze Kingston, who is the campaign’s brand ambassador, also attended the launch and performed for the participants.
The Tikolole Madzi a Mvula campaign is aimed at encouraging the adoption of rainwater harvesting as part of efforts to improve water security and build resilience to climate change.
